Immunoglobulin G-4 (IgG-4)
General information:
IgG-4 is a rare autoimmune condition that can affect most organs and links a number of inflammatory diseases previously thought to be unrelated and affecting only one organ. It is caused by cells in the blood producing harmful substances that attack the body's own tissues to cause inflammation, swelling/lumps and scarring. IgG-4 can cause many different symptoms and can affect one or more organs at the same time or at different times. Although sometimes the symptoms may not be so obvious, it can cause severe organ damage and even death if left untreated. IgG-4 can affect the eyes, retroperitoneum (inside the abdomen around the aorta, the largest blood vessel), pancreas, gall bladder, kidneys, lungs, lacrimal glands, thyroid gland, brain meninges (testicles, prostate), etc. n.